Microscopic Detectives
“A new breed of detective proteins, designed to ferret out target molecules, soon may be walking the beat on a variety of assignments — from helping the Navy search for unexploded ordnance to monitoring blood sugar levels in diabetics.”
“The tailor-made proteins, created at Duke University, are the latest in synthetic biology — a field in which scientists are redesigning biological components to perform specific tasks. Duke’s proteins have been put through their paces with a number of different substances, including TNT, glucose and serotonin.”
“The proteins work by latching onto target molecules. Once bound, the proteins glow to indicate the target has been successfully secured. This fluorescence allows Navy personnel to pinpoint the location of TNT leaking from discarded underwater ordnance, and lets doctors keep a continuous eye on a patient’s blood sugar level.”
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